WWII IN HD: THE AIR WAR presents the untold story of the American 8th Air Force’s bloody battle to defeat the German Luftwaffe in the months leading up to D-Day. Told through the gripping, first person accounts of three American airmen and Stars & Stripes reporter Andy Rooney, The Air War showcases breathtaking aerial combat – original, color footage, never before seen by most Americans – of the B-17s “Flying Fortresses”, P-47 “Thunderbolts” and P-51 “Mustangs” on missions such as Regensburg, Schweinfurt and Berlin. Never-before-seen 8mm footage of the airmen on the bases, the devastation in Germany, and the Luftwaffe perspective is also highlighted.

Flying 25,000 feet above the earth in oxygen-devoid air, and temperatures as low as 50 below zero, the 8th Air Force fought a war unlike anything ever before experienced. By the end, they would suffer more than 26,000 combat deaths – more than the US Marines lost in all of World War II.

To create this series, HISTORY launched an exhaustive worldwide search for color footage. As a result, WWII IN HD: THE AIR WAR draws upon footage unearthed from archives and private collections across the globe. HISTORY preserved and restored this footage ― some of which has not been seen since the 1940s ― and converted it to HD for unprecedented clarity. An exceptional Dolby “soundscape” enhances the striking visuals and brings them to life as never before.

WWII IN HD: THE AIR WAR presents the untold story of the American 8th Air Force’s bloody battle to defeat the German Luftwaffe in the months leading up to D-Day. Told through the gripping, first person accounts of three American airmen and Stars & Stripes reporter Andy Rooney, The Air War showcases breathtaking aerial combat – original, color footage, never before seen by most Americans – of the B-17s “Flying Fortresses”, P-47 “Thunderbolts” and P-51 “Mustangs” on missions such as Regensburg, Schweinfurt and Berlin. Never-before-seen 8mm footage of the airmen on the bases, the devastation in Germany, and the Luftwaffe perspective is also highlighted.

Flying 25,000 feet above the earth in oxygen-devoid air, and temperatures as low as 50 below zero, the 8th Air Force fought a war unlike anything ever before experienced. By the end, they would suffer more than 26,000 combat deaths – more than the US Marines lost in all of World War II.

To create this series, HISTORY launched an exhaustive worldwide search for color footage. As a result, WWII IN HD: THE AIR WAR draws upon footage unearthed from archives and private collections across the globe. HISTORY preserved and restored this footage some of which has not been seen since the 1940s and converted it to HD for unprecedented clarity. An exceptional Dolby “soundscape” enhances the striking visuals and brings them to life as never before.

Wow what an awesome example of the commitment and courage of our airmen of the mighty eight and all the men who fought in the missions leading up to D-day. In the face overcoming adversity and the constant pressure to save the world. i still get chills every time i watch it. Thanks to the History channel for this Tear jerking display of the air war.

as a history buff, and world war 2 addict I particularly liked the truthful telling of the work the 8th army air force did in bringing the Germans to their knees. It wasn't just the marines and navy and grunts winning all the battles. Very humbling!

An incredible view as to what "The Greatest Generation" achieved thru WWII. Earned with the greatest effort and their blood. We all owe them the utmost respect and honor. Truly an incredible view as to what it was like to "be there" and what the men and women endured to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today. Thanks to the History Channel for putting this all together and more importantly, THANK YOU to all the men and women of the Greatest Generation!